This is a purely side story, with a flow and timeline that diverge from the main plot.
It's a day off for Lord Cyrus.
We have plenty of time to talk just the two of us, but there's nothing particular to do, and nothing to discuss. To put it bluntly, we have no topics to talk about.
In the vast dining hall, we sit side by side for dinner.
"......It's delicious, Lord Cyrus."
"Yes, it's very delicious."
"......"
"...... Marie, it's a bit chilly today, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. ..."
Even such empty conversation comes to a halt.
After finishing dinner, we move on to a post-meal relaxation. Toppo, being considerate, placed a Chaildunlook on the table. We can't leave until the strong tea is ready... so we try to make this time enjoyable.
"...... Marie, which do you like best: sunny days, cloudy days, or rainy days?"
"Um... partly cloudy, I guess."
"I see. I like that too."
"...... R-really? We have the same taste."
"Yes, that's good."
...The conversation ends. I inwardly sighed. Oh, why am I so bad at small talk?
Glancing sideways, I can see Lord Cyrus trying to come up with topics. I can't let that happen; I should be the one to make him enjoy. Hmm, what topic... something Lord Cyrus would enjoy, something fun, something fun...
I recall memories of laughing heartily. What comes to mind is three years ago, when my father had the hiccups for seven days straight; five years ago, when the chickens we raised laid eggs that hatched just as my father was passing by, and six chicks, thinking he was their mother, chased him around; eight years ago, when my father, wanting to change his hairstyle, told a maid the current fashion in the capital, but due to a game of telephone, his hair was cut so short that his scalp was visible, and at the New Year's social event, he was teased with "Congratulations on your baldness" and returned home in tears...
Ah, no, all of these are bad things about my father. It's not good to make fun of family in small talk with others. But when I think about what made me laugh so hard in the Shaduran household, it's hard to think of anything other than my father's embarrassing moments...
--Marie, Marie. Laughing means losing--
I suddenly realize and look up.
"Lord Cyrus! Let's play a staring contest!"
"...... A staring contest? Is that the game where children try to make each other laugh, and the one who laughs first loses?"
Oh no. I facepalmed on the table.
However, Lord Cyrus is kind. Just like last time, he doesn't laugh at me for being childish and enthusiastically agrees.
--In the Granado Castle dining hall at night, two people alone. A betrothed couple, a duke's son and a baron's daughter, sitting across from each other... both take a deep breath. ...And then.
"Let's do a staring contest!"
"Ahahaha!!"
We shout simultaneously. I pinch my cheeks with both hands and squish them. Lord Cyrus, on the other hand, pulls his cheeks to the sides.
"Ugh!! ...!"
I groan involuntarily. If I hadn't squished my cheeks, I might have burst out laughing. I barely manage to hold it in. I can't let myself laugh so easily.
Because Lord Cyrus... his dignified and handsome face is being stretched so pitifully! But I'm not losing either. I'm gathering all the flesh on my face, pushing it together, and making a face so intense that I almost regret it myself!
As proof, Lord Cyrus is squinting. Well, his eyes are almost completely closed because they are being pulled to the sides, but the green eyes that peek out are sparkling...
Lord Cyrus, still making that strange face, whispers, staring intently at my face.
"...... You look cute even when all the features are gathered in the center. Marie."
... ... Wait a minute.
This is... a foul play, isn't it?
"Ugh, uh!"
My throat spasms. I quickly look up. But Lord Cyrus, the Earl of Granado, is tall. When I look up, I end up facing his too-handsome gaze while making a strange face...
Oh no, I can't look! I instinctively close my eyes. I immediately realize this is a foul play, but if I open my eyes even a little, I'll definitely laugh.
"...... Marie?"
Lord Cyrus's voice is ticklish. I release my hands from my cheeks to cover my ears and keep my eyes closed.
"...... Marie. Marie..."
Even when called, I can't respond. Lord Cyrus remains silent, leaving me in silence for a while. ...Oops. By closing my eyes to avoid seeing his strange face, I can't tell if he's laughing. What should I do? What does he look like now?
Suddenly, I feel a strong pressure on both arms. Lord Cyrus is grabbing me near my shoulders. I thought he was trying to pull my hands away from my ears, but his hands are very gentle, almost embracing me. His palms are warm, and his fingertips are slightly trembling...
...No way. Is Lord Cyrus trying to tickle my sides!?
That's unfair, a foul play. A staring contest is a game using only one's face. But I can't criticize Lord Cyrus since I have my eyes closed.
What should I do?
"...... Marie"
Ugh, that sweet, slightly hoarse, sexy voice... I feel weak and want to give in... but I can't open my eyes.
Silently, Lord Cyrus pulls me closer.
I feel something approaching my face—near my lips—